Boil: how to get rid of it?

It sometimes happens to notice some strange pimples on our body. Yet it is not just a simple acne breakout. Often painful, some pimples require more attention. This is the case of the boil, a skin inconvenience likely to strike everyone. Where does the boil come from? Who is risk? How to get rid of it? The explanations of Dr Annie Russo, general practitioner in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune (Rhône).

A boil is a contagious bacterial infection at the base of a hair. In the vast majority of cases, the bacteria that causes the appearance of boils is Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria, feared by all, is the cause of many serious infections. About 30% of adults carry this bacteria in their body without developing an infection. Boils, due to the multiplication of Staphylococcus aureus, can form all over the body. It usually appears on the face, neck, back, shoulders and buttocks.

The boil develops in three stages. At first, a red, hard and painful pimple appears. Then this red button develops, grows and gives way to a pustule, that is to say a red button with a white head filled with pus. At the end of its development, the boil bursts and the pus flows out, leaving a red crater on the skin.

Factors that can lead to a boil

Certain factors favor the appearance of a boil:

People most at risk

Some people are also at higher risk of contracting this subcutaneous infection:

Treatment for boils

The treatment of the boil aims to eliminate pus and prevent recurrences. When the furuncle is at the first stage of its evolution, that is to say at the stage of the red pimple, it is enough to wash the skin thoroughly and apply compresses of warm water moistened with saline solution. This will allow it to ripen and quickly turn into a pustule. The skin around the boil should be disinfected with an antiseptic. The use of a local antibiotic is not advised.

A few days later, the pus will drain on its own. It is strongly advised not to pierce his boil. Indeed, it will retract itself and evolve towards healing, leaving, however, an indelible scar.

With each manipulation, hand washing is necessary so as not to transport the bacteria elsewhere on the skin and to catch other boils.

In case of multiple boils or aggravation of the boil, you must consult a doctor to adapt the treatment which may then require the taking of antibiotics.

Consult the list of all the dermatologists near you on www.conseil-national.medecin.fr.